Reconstructive Surgery

Hand Surgery

Hand surgery is an integral part of a plastic surgeon’s training, addressing both acute traumatic conditions and chronic disorders. Work-related accidents is the most common cause of hand injuries, often leading to severe complications, prolonged absence from work, or even disability. Chronic hand conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are frequently linked to occupational factors, and their treatment, though relatively simple, can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

Surgical procedures for the hand play a crucial role in restoring function and enhancing daily activities. Consulting a specialised surgeon ensures the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

BRIEFLY

Procedure time
1-2 hours

Anesthesia
Local or regional

Hospital stay
2-4 hours

Back to the office
7-30 days

Surgical Procedures

Hand surgery is broadly categorised based on the underlying condition. The first category involves the treatment of acute injuries following work-related, car and domestic accidents. The second focuses on surgical management of chronic hand conditions. Trauma-related hand surgery may include:

  • Repair of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels
  • Skin flaps and grafts
  • Amputation procedures, when necessary

For chronic hand conditions, surgical treatment is tailored to the specific disorder.

Common Chronic Hand Conditions Requiring Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing symptoms such as numbness, pain and tingling, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms often worsen at night, and in advanced cases, muscle atrophy in the palm may occur.

The surgical procedure involves releasing the transverse carpal ligament to relieve nerve pressure. This is a 30-minute operation, performed under local anaesthesia, with patients typically returning to manual work within two weeks.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where thickening of the palmar fascia gradually causes finger flexion, leading to significant hand dysfunction. It is more common in men and can affect one or both hands. Risk factors include diabetes, alcoholism, epilepsy, and genetic predisposition.

Treatment is surgical, involving the excision of the affected fascia under regional anaesthesia. Postoperative physiotherapy is essential for restoring hand mobility.

Tendons in the fingers pass through a sheath-like tunnel. In stenosing tenosynovitis, inflammation causes restricted movement, leading to difficulty in flexion and extension. This condition may affect any finger, including the thumb (trigger thumb).

Conservative treatments often lead to recurrence. Surgical treatment involves releasing the affected sheath, a procedure performed under local anaesthesia in 30-60 minutes. Recovery is rapid, and most patients resume normal activities shortly after surgery.

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Surgical Planning & Recovery

Surgical incisions for hand procedures are small and strategically placed to minimise visibility. Proper postoperative care and specialised scar treatments further enhance healing. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery:

  • Light activities can be resumed within a few days.
  • More demanding tasks, such as manual labour, may require weeks to months.
  • Physiotherapy is often recommended to ensure full restoration of hand function.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

What You Need to Know

Modern surgical techniques are highly safe and effective, with minimal risks. Your surgeon will discuss preventive measures for possible complications.

Postoperative pain is usually mild and can be managed with simple painkillers. More extensive procedures may require stronger analgesia.

This depends on the procedure and the nature of your job. Patients with light duties can return within days, while those in manual labour may require several weeks or months.

In many cases, physiotherapy is essential for restoring mobility and strength in the hand.

Some conditions, such as trigger finger, have a low but existing recurrence risk. Proper post-surgical care helps minimise this possibility.

 

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